Dream Jobs: College Students Make Their Picks

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Banks Down, Government Up

Looking beyond Google, the 2011 list of most attractive employers has its share of surprises. For starters, banks, oil companies, and the Big Four accounting firms lost some of their luster among business students. Lisa Sundström, global research manager of Universum in Philadelphia, says the role banks played in the financial crisis and the environmental and economic consequences of the BP (BP) oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, may have played a role.

In addition, survey newcomers Facebook and the UN rocketed into the top 20 by placing No. 12 and No. 17, respectively, on the overall list for business and commerce majors. Government and nonprofit employers, which accounted for half the top 10 employers for all seven personality types, had a good year, too. The CIA and FBI took the No. 1 and No. 2 spots among careerists, who ranked government organizations above all others, with the U.N., the U.S. State Dept., and National Security Agency also among the top 20 in that category.

"The government is still highly appreciated," says Cecilia Dahlström, global marketing director of Universum in Stockholm. "It's driving the U.S. economy forward, and it's getting the country back on track."

Other Appealing Companies

While careerists see the government as a ticket to achievement, idealists see Disney as perhaps the happiest place on earth—at least for employees. Driven by a robust college internship program, Disney offers a range of professional opportunities, including roles in finance, marketing, engineering, animal programs, human resources, and operations, writes Kristi Breen, director of Disney College and International Programs in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., in an e-mail.

"Disney offers individuals more than just a job," she writes. "The training and ongoing development our [employees] receive to further their careers is excellent. There are significant opportunities to network with key leaders within the organization, and unlimited opportunities to grow and move within the company."

Apple, which came in second overall among business students, advanced up the rankings for six of the seven personality types. Although Apple representatives declined to comment, one likely reason for the company's attractiveness to young people is its popular phones, music players, and tablets, as well as its reputation for having a creative work environment, says Petter Nylander, chief executive of Universum in Stockholm.

If the survey makes one thing clear, it's that young people want employers who share their values and are a good fit for their personality, says Nylander.

"What you see is young employees selecting companies that confirm their views of themselves," he says. "Your identity today is built on where you work. It sends a strong message about who you are."

Di Meglio is a reporter for Businessweek.com in Fort Lee, N.J.